The Continental PureContact[H] is part of the tire
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, performance all season tire
models like the PureContact[H] are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Dry braking:

Dry braking is from 60 to 0 mph.

Wet braking:

Wet braking is from 60 to 0 mph.

Handling:

Handling includes how well the tires gripped in an avoidance maneuver involving a swerve into the left lane and back into the right lane; dry and wet cornering grip; and subjective steering feel.

About This Brand

Continental is in a distant fourth place in North American and global sales, behind Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Michelin. Still, it offers a full complement of original and replacement tires. The Germany-based Continental Corporation is a top automotive supplier of brake systems and various vehicle components, in addition to tires. The U.S. tire operations have headquarters in Lancaster County, S.C. The company sells the Continental and General tire brands. In the past, General has shined for light-truck tires in our testing.

Features & Specs - Continental PureContact[H]

Speed ratingSpeed rating. This letter denotes the maximum sustainable speed and is found directly after the load index. For S-speed-rated tires, it's 112 mph; for T, 118 mph. Speed ratings for other tires include Q, 99 mph; H, 130 mph; V, 149 mph; and Z, 150 mph plus. While such speeds may seem wildly impractical, tires with higher speed ratings tend to provide better handling at legal speed limits. Choose tires that have a speed rating at least as high as the one specified on your vehicle's placard.

Speed rating

H

Treadwear warrantyCommonly used by tire manufacturers to market tires, the warranty describes the typical tread life of the tire. Consumers should view the warranty an indicator of tread life only. Actual mileage will vary with vehicle type, driving style, road, and weather conditions, just to name a few variables. Nearly all treadwear warranties are based on pro-rated amount based on the usable tread worn off the tire.

Treadwear warranty

70,000

UTQG treadwearUTQGS, which stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading System, is a federal government required grading system for passenger tires excluding winter tires. Key information includes Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature appearing on the sidewall of a tire. UTQG treadwear, an index developed by the government, compares a tire's tread life with that of a reference tire graded at 100. A tire with a grade of 300 is predicted to last three times as long as one graded at 100. Treadwear grades are just one indicator of tread life, but actual tire life will vary due to a number of factors including road conditions, driving habits, vehicle, and maintenance.

UTQG treadwear

640

UTQG tractionUTQGS, which stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading System, is a federal government required grading system for passenger tires excluding winter tires. Key information includes Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature appearing on the sidewall of a tire. UTQG traction indicates the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface with Government grades of AA, A, B, C, from best to worst.

UTQG traction

A

UTQG temperatureUTQGS, which stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading System, is a federal government required grading system for passenger tires excluding winter tires. Key information includes Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature appearing on the sidewall of a tire. UTQG temperature indicates the tire's ability to resist heat build-up under test conditions with Government grades of A, B, C, from best to worst.

Bought based on CR review. Installed in Oct. 2013 on my 2010 Prius. As the snow hit they did well and would up using them all year even though I also have a set of Michelin X-ICE xi2 on separate wheels. Reasonably quiet, good feel and performance. My annual mileage excedes 40,000 and tires are critical. My son bought a set for his '08 Prius and he liked them. Just bought another set to be ready when the current set is worn out. Slightly lower MPG than the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max that came with my car.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

By Subaru Rider

from Media, PA

4.0

Very pleased with purchase

11/3/2014

Pros

Dry grip

Handling

Noise

Ride comfort

Wet grip

Cons

Na

Best Uses

Comment:

I replaced my Subaru OEM tires with this set. These tires ride very well and are very quiet in comparison to the OEM tires. I have only had them a month but I am very pleased.

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

By Sam

from Chicago, IL

5.0

Great in Snow and Wet Conditions

6/24/2014

Pros

Dry grip

Handling

Noise

Ride comfort

Value

Wet grip

Winter traction

Cons

Best Uses

Comment:

I replaced Pirelli P6s on my Audi A4Q with the PureContacts on a snowy day and immediately noticed the difference in traction. By the time the tires were on and I drove away from the tire dealer, the roads were even more snow covered but the Contis felt more secure than the old P6s. While not the quietest tires around, it was still relatively quiet and the ride was superb. I noticed slightly more lean on cornering but only if done in a fairly aggressive speed. Otherwise I was very happy with them. In fact, I sold my A4 and got an older Acura TL, and am about buy a set of the Contis for the TL as well.